Best speakeasy bars in NYC?

I hear that there are some great speakeasy bars in NYC and I'd love to visit a couple when I'm there. What are some good ones and how would I go about making reservations/getting in? Do I need to know a secret password or handshake? I'm looking for both a unique ambiance and good cocktails. Thanks!

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A couple that haven't been mentioned that are worth looking into are The Tippler in Chelsea Market's basement, Attaboy in the old Milk and Honey space (no menu and very small) and The Back Room for the incredible ambiance and tea cup cocktails. I've also heard wonderful things about Bathtub Gin in Chelsea, but I have not been yet.

My favorite has to be Apothéke , which is hidden down a tiny alley in Chinatown and you wouldn't be able to find it unless someone knocked on the door for you and showed you, and Cienfuegos is fantastic because it's above a Cuban restaurant. Enjoy!

Doyers is a u-shaped street and is very short and this bar is literally in the curve of the U. If you go when it's busy, you'll see people popping in and out. Otherwise, look for the sparkly green tiles under the big wooden door. They don't match the other doorways and it's a dead give away. Apothke and dumplings from the hole-in-the-wall next door = perfect night.
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In addition to KT's fantastic recommendations - a couple additional to consider: angel's share which is tucked away on the second floor of a Japanese restaurant in the East Village and Little Branch which is in a nondescript basement in the West Village. Enjoy!

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Hey Rob, community manager here to give you a friendly tip -- in the future, the best place to ask this is by clicking "add comment" right underneath the question. Thanks for helping out a fellow traveler! :)
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